Months 12–9: foundations
Build reading stamina with a wide range of challenging texts, consolidate maths up to and slightly beyond year level, and set up a regular writing routine. A baseline practice test shows where to focus.
Months 8–5: section-by-section skills
- Reading: inference, vocabulary in context, and comparing texts
- Mathematical reasoning: multi-step and non-routine problems
- Thinking skills: logic, patterns and critical thinking
- Writing: planning quickly and writing with structure and voice
Months 4–2: speed and strategy
Introduce timed sections, teach students when to skip and return to a question, and review every error to find patterns.
The final month: full mocks and calm
One or two full mock tests under real conditions, light revision, plenty of sleep and a calm, familiar routine on test day.
A note on balance
Selective preparation works best when it's steady and positive. Keep sport, friends and downtime in the week — a rested child performs better.
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